Valencia CF take superb win against league leaders Real Madrid (2-1)

February, 22 2017 -

Valencia CF claimed an important home victory at Mestalla over LaLiga leaders Real Madrid, winning 2-1 in a game postponed from December. The result came thanks to two early goals from Simone Zaza and Fabian Orellana, and a tremendous intensity to defend the lead after Cristiano Ronaldo pulled one back for the visitors.

Coach Voro González made two changes to his starting lineup, including José Luis Gayà at the expense of Guilherme Siqueira and covering the absence of the injured Martin Montoya with Joao Cancelo. Thus, a more attacking pair of fullbacks were used for the fixture than in the weekend win against Athletic Club.

Cancelo's presence paid off early, as he began a move which led to an opening goal just 4 minutes into the contest. The Portuguese broke away, playing a pass to Munir El-Haddadi, who sent in a ball to Simone Zaza. The Italian striker received it with his back to goal, but provided an exquisite shot on the turn to hook the ball past Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The elation at Mestalla was only increased further minutes later, when Valencia CF made it 2-0 in a dream start. Another quick move was culminated by a pass from Nani to Orellana -who provided a smooth finish for his first goal for the club.

With Real Madrid shocked into life, the game became more open thereafter. Karim Benzema tested Diego Alves with his shot on 20 minutes, whilst Dani Parejo did likewise to Navas off a free kick.

Just past the half-hour, Nani pulled up injured after a run down the left wing. Siqueira came on in his place, with Gayà moving further upfield.

Real Madrid did manage to get back into the game before halftime, when Cristiano Ronaldo headed in a cross whipped into the area by Marcelo. That made it 2-1 at the break, in a magnificently entertaining encounter at Mestalla.

Following the restart, Valencia CF needed to rely on their defence in the early going. Marcelo hit an effort at Alves that the goalkeeper was able to keep out, on 52 minutes, and showed that he was not going to be beaten twice.

A second substitution saw Carlos Soler come on for Valencia CF, at the expense of Enzo Pérez. With the midfield switched up, Parejo found space down the left channel and very nearly bested Keylor Navas from a tight angle.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane also made changes, introducing Gareth Bale to provide an extra gear for the visitors. He was another danger for VCF to keep in check and caused problems with his speedy runs and crosses -which the defence were able to weather.

Valencia CF had two penalty appeals turned down before the end: The first was a push by Carvajal on Zaza that would have led to the defender's second yellow card; the second was a challenge by Sergio Ramos on Munir that went unseen by the referee.

There was a final burst of chances from the LaLiga leaders as they desperately searched for an equaliser, but Valencia CF stood firm and showed solid defending right until the whistle was blown. The 2-1 victory -inspired by an excellent home support- sent out a statement to the rest of the league.

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Photographs by Lázaro de la Peña, re-use is not permitted.